The League's CEO Dan Gilmartin participated in a spirited debate with a handful of leaders representing a range of business and education interests Tuesday over Michigan's tax and budget reform. Panelists advocated their views and respectfully agreed to disagree or at least find common ground on topics ranging from expanding the sales tax to teacher salaries. There was no consensus on revenue solutions to the state’s budget problems but the need for changing the overall tax structure was unanimous. The forum, hosted by the Center for Michigan, was an open discussion and encouraged audience participation. Polling numbers from the 250 attendees were used to spur each new debate (results of audience polls). When the conversation was heading in the same direction it has for years (what kind of tax breaks/hikes do we need?), Gilmartin reminded us that Michigan doesn't lose to other states on its income tax rate or because of its business tax – we lose on "place." The League's message: Michigan needs a tax structure that supports vibrant communities that attract and create entrepreneurs. Read more with quick links to Tuesday's presentations and related news: Business Leaders Unable to Reach Consensus on State’s Budget Woes (Crain's Detroit News), Panel: State needs leadership, vision (Lansing State Journal), State business leaders ask: "How do you fix Michigan? (WZZM13 Grand Rapids), Expand Sales Tax, Group Says (WILX10 Lansing).
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